Ten building blocks for the Iowa State football team

Join former Hawkeyes Tavian Banks and Jared Clauss and former Cyclones John Quinn and Jack Whitver at the Des Moines Social Club on Sept. 6.
The Des Moines Register

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Iowa State sophomore defensive end JaQuan Bailey, left, reaches out for senior quarterback Kyle Kempt for a sack on Saturday, April 8, 2017, during the Iowa State Cyclone football spring game at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.(Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)Buy Photo

AMES, Ia. — Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell is focused on the present.

But even he can’t help but get excited when he looks up and down his roster and sees a team full of young talent.

“When you look at this football team and a year and a half of recruiting, we’ve been able to at least reshape what the roster looks like,” Campbell said. “That part makes you be able to breathe and there’s competition from the top to bottom.”

As Campbell begins his second season with the Cyclones, there are plenty of reasons for excitement on offense and defense.

Here are 10 potential “building blocks” for Iowa State’s future — players who will have at least two years of eligibility remaining. We’ve chosen seven offensive players and three defensive players, five sophomores and five freshmen.

SOPHOMORES

JaQuan Bailey, defensive end

Background: Bailey was ranked the 53rd-best defensive end nationally by ESPN out of high school and No. 72 weak-side defensive end nationally by 247Sports. He committed to Iowa State with his twin brother Joshua. JaQuan made an instant impact at Iowa State, playing in all 12 games as a true freshman, including seven starts. Bailey led the team in sacks (3.5) and contributed 23 total tackles.

2017 outlook: Bailey is one of the few known commodities on the defensive line. The line is full of inexperience and as a sophomore, he’s already one of the most experienced members of it. Bailey, Vernell Trent and J.D. Waggoner are the only members of the line with starting experience at Iowa State. He’ll likely start at the Leo spot where he or Spencer Benton are listed as possible starters. The fact that he’s not at the top may mean that Iowa State is using his spot on the depth chart as a motivational move.

2018 outlook: The way things are shaping up, Bailey could be one of the main men behind the defensive line’s turnaround. By the time the 2018 season rolls around, Bailey will have two seasons under his belt. And he won’t be the only one with valuable time on the field by then. Eyioma Uwazurike, Ray Lima and Matt Leo will be among the headliners back. But Bailey may be the one leading the charge. “He’s going to be a player,” said Iowa State defensive line coach Eli Rasheed.

Hakeem Butler, wide receiver

Background: Campbell loves success stories and Butler has one. His dad has been out of the family picture for awhile and his mother died of cancer in 2012. So Butler moved in with his first cousins, Aaron and Andrew Harrison, both of whom became basketball stars at Kentucky. Butler is just as interesting on the field. He saw action as a redshirt freshman in 2016 when he caught nine passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. His first reception was a leaping, one-handed, 18-yard touchdown grab against Northern Iowa that landed him on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays.

2017 outlook: After getting his feet wet in 2016, Butler is now fighting for a starting spot in 2017. He’s battling with Marchie Murdock and Carson Epps for the last starter job among the wide receivers. Even if he wins it, he’ll have to battle with a number of other receivers in what could be Iowa State’s strongest, deepest positon. The Cyclones have Allen Lazard, Matthew Eaton, Trever Ryen and Deshaunte Jones all back. But Butler has found a way to stand out as the tallest receiver in the room, checking in at 6-foot-6.

2018 outlook: Campbell sees something special in Butler, whom he raved about during Media Day. “Hakeem Butler may be the most talented wide receiver in our entire room,” Campbell said. That’s a strong vote of confidence given the talent and experience Iowa State has. By 2018, the Cyclones should know just how good Butler can be. Ryen, Lazard and Murdock will be gone, opening up more opportunities for Butler.

Julian Good-Jones, offensive lineman

Background: The Cedar Rapids native was ranked the fourth-best prospect in Iowa by 247Sports and No. 5 by Rivals while he was in high school. After redshirting his first season, Good-Jones has lived up to the high hopes. He started 11 games last season with the lone blemish coming when he was suspended for the season opener for violation of team policy. Good-Jones quickly adapted and helped Iowa State’s inexperienced line make massive strides throughout the season and go from one of the worst to more than serviceable by the time the season ended.

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Members of the Iowa State offensive line, from left, Bryce Meeker, Oge Udeogu, Julian Good-Jones, Robby Garcia and Jake Campos pose for a photo during the Iowa State football team media day at Bergstrom Indoor Practice Facility on the Iowa State campus in Ames on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017.(Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)

2017 outlook: Good-Jones will be one the leaders of the line despite being just a redshirt sophomore. Question marks still surround the group, which will be young again. The only player more experienced on the line than Good-Jones is Jake Campos, who missed all of last season with an injury. Good-Jones, who spent last season at right tackle, has moved over to center to replace Brian Bobek. Good-Jones got reps at center during the 2016 spring before Bobek arrived so the position is hardly new to him.

2018 outlook: A bright future awaits Good-Jones as long as he can stay healthy. Iowa State has a history of using young linemen who end up getting worn down or injured by the time their careers come to a close. But Good-Jones has shown no sign of slowing down yet. He’s in the middle of a resurgence on the line that includes redshirt freshman Sean Foster and sophomore Josh Knipfel, a junior college transfer. Both are expected to get their first playing time in 2017. Good-Jones’ versatility also make him a valuable asset. “I don’t like to really say that I have a position,” Good-Jones said. “I like to think that I can play any position.”

David Montgomery, running back

Background: Montgomery was a dual-threat quarterback in high school but only carries and catches the football for Iowa State. He made an instant impact as a true freshman in 2016 when he led the team in rushing with 563 yards on 109 carries. Montgomery played in all 12 games and took over the starting spot for the final four games. He was so impressive that Montgomery surpassed Mike Warren, who was coming off a season that saw him rush for 1,000 yards. When it was all said and done, Montgomery averaged 113.7 rushing yards per game.

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Iowa State sophomore running back David Montgomery poses for a photo during the Iowa State football team media day at Bergstrom Indoor Practice Facility on the Iowa State campus in Ames on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017.(Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)

2017 outlook: Despite being just a sophomore, Montgomery is already one of the leaders in the running back room. The staff has praised his work ethic and he’s intent on avoiding the sophomore slump that Warren went through and ultimately helped open up the opportunity for Montgomery. The Cyclones may have just scratched the surface with what they can do with him. Campbell said he could be one of their best wide receivers on the team, so Montgomery will likely be used as a ball catching option as well.

2018 outlook: The running back corps is full of talent with Montgomery, Warren, Kene Nwangwu and Johnnie Lang. Unless something drastic happens in 2017, Montgomery will still be the main man. Warren has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play. Nwangwu is already coming off an Achillies' injury that may make him redshirt this season. The Cyclones have high hopes for Lang. But Montgomery’s work ethic, raw talent and track record for success show that he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. “I’m just always pressed to get better,” Montgomery said. “I realize that every day is not going to be a perfect day and every day is not going to be a great day. But what I decide to do on the next day defines how my success will be and how all our success will be.”

Ray Lima, defensive lineman

Background: Lima was a four-year letterman in high school and a junior college star at El Camino Community College. He was a top-10 defensive tackle at El Camino, where he posted 59 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2015. Lima redshirted in 2016 but still drew interest from schools like Oregon, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Texas Christian and California. Despite some late pulling from other teams, Lima stayed committed to Iowa State.

2017 outlook: It didn’t take long for him to make his way to the top as the starting nose guard. With Iowa State’s inexperience on the defensive line, Lima will get plenty of opportunities. The staff has praised how quickly he’s adapted and he’s already being billed as one of the saviors of the line that boasts plenty of potential but not much experience.

2018 outlook: Lima should be a mainstay on the line. He’s only a redshirt sophomore but has quickly turned heads. With Lima, along with Eyioma Uwazurike and Matt Leo getting substantial playing time in 2017, the future looks bright for the line. Lima should be the guy leading the way. And if the line does turn the corner, Lima will be one of the big reasons. “When we were recruiting him, we knew he would change the culture of our room,” said Iowa State defensive line coach Eli Rasheed.

FRESHMEN

Chase Allen, tight end

Background: Allen was one of the prized pieces of Campbell’s first recruiting class. He was a three-star recruit and ranked the 12th-best tight end nationally by ESPN. But Allen never got a chance to show what he could do during his first season. Iowa State was forced to redshirt Allen after he was struck by a car, got sick with the mumps and was hospitalized with meningitis. Had he not dealt with so much adversity, Allen likely would have played as a true freshman.

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Iowa State freshman tight end Chase Allen poses for a portrait during the Iowa State football team media day at Bergstrom Indoor Practice Facility on the Iowa State campus in Ames on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2017.(Photo: Bryon Houlgrave/The Register)

2017 outlook: Expectations are sky-high for Allen. He’s already moved to a starting spot on Iowa State’s depth chart and has yet to even play in a game. Campbell loves his versatility, which could mean Iowa State has its first premier playmaker at tight end since E.J. Bibbs. But Iowa State tight ends coach/recruiting coordinator Alex Golesh has tried tempering some of those high expectations until Allen gets onto the field. “I think he can handle it,” Golesh said. “I just think he’s got to set realistic expectations and I’ve got to push him beyond those.”

2018 outlook: If everything goes according to plan, Allen will be Iowa State’s top returning tight end when the 2018 season starts. The room already has some experience but Allen has the most upside along with current true freshman Charlie Kolar. Kolar will likely redshirt in 2017, though. By 2018, Allen will have two years under his belt in college, including one season finally on the field. That means the starting spot will likely belong to Allen for as long as he’s in Ames. And Iowa State’s tight ends will play a pivotal role in the offense.

Sean Foster, offensive lineman

Background: Foster was a four-star recruit in high school and was ranked as the 31st-best offensive tackle by ESPN. His father Troy was an offensive lineman at Iowa. Iowa State’s line was struggling so much last season and Foster was impressing so much, that Campbell admitted that it was tempting to use him as a true freshman in 2016. But, the Cyclones decided to be patient with Foster and redshirted him.

2017 outlook: The Cyclones will finally unveil Foster this season. He’s expected to help Iowa State’s inexperienced offensive line one way or another. He’s listed as Jake Campos’ backup at left tackle. But Foster could move around throughout the line. Offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Tom Manning has been adamant about finding the five best players for the line and using them. As early as it is, Foster is already in the conversation among the top five. “We really challenged Sean to really have a great offseason throughout the summer and I’ve been very impressed with his work ethic and what he’s been able to do,” Manning said.

2018 outlook: Foster is part of what should be an up-and-coming line that includes sophomores Julian Good-Jones and Bryce Meeker. And there will be openings. Campos may not pursue a medical redshirt and Robby Garcia is in his last season. Foster will get his feet wet and should get significant playing time in 2017 but 2018 is when he’ll really be leaned upon. And while the line is inexperienced now, it could turn into a bright spot in a year or two with youngsters like Foster coming through.

Johnnie Lang, running back

Background: Lang was once a heavily sought-after recruit who generated interest from schools like Florida State, West Virginia, Arizona and Kentucky. But the interest in Lang cooled off after he was arrested for his involvement in burglarizing an abandoned house in Florida. He spent three days in jail after pleading no contest and moved to Sat Lake City. He later reclassified and entered the 2017 recruiting class.

2017 outlook: Iowa State will waste no time using Lang. He’ll play special teams and get some shots at running back behind Montgomery and Warren. His role will be a lot like Nwangwu’s from a season ago with the bulk of his opportunities coming in the return game. If he continues to shine, Warren doesn’t get back on track and Nwangwu redshirts this season, Lang could rise up to being Montgomery’s backup. In the meantime, he is expected to play on special teams and get meaningful snaps at running back right away.

2018 outlook: Lang has already found a way to stand out in a crowded running backs room. The room could be even more congested with a healthy Nwangwu and an even more experienced duo in Montgomery and Warren. But Campbell loves the potential of Lang and whenever Montgomery and Warren are gone, he could eventually become the primary ball carrier. “He’s dynamic,” said Iowa State associate head coach/running game coordinator Lou Ayeni. “He’s electric. When he touches the ball, something is going to happen.”

Zeb Noland, quarterback

Background: Noland was a star in high school. He was a three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN and Scout. ESPN ranked him the 38th-best quarterback nationally. During his senior season, he passed for 1,627 yards and 17 touchdowns. Noland graduated from school early, enrolled at Iowa State and was in Ames for the spring last season. But his freshman season came to an abrupt ending when he suffered a torn ACL before the first game.

2017 outlook: Noland isn’t wasting any time. He’s already in the mix for playing time. He entered fall camp battling with redshirt senior Kyle Kempt for a spot to be starter Jacob Park’s backup. Kempt may have the inside edge just because of experience and because Noland is coming back from his injury. But over time, Noland is expected to move up and if he continues progressing, he should end the season as Park’s backup.

2018 outlook: Park will be a senior but if all goes according to plan, he could help transition Noland into the starting spot for the 2019 season. At some point, the Cyclones are going to have to start looking toward the future and getting Noland some meaningful time. “He’s very promising ... he’s got talent,” said Iowa State passing game coordinator Jim Hofher during the spring.

Eyioma Uwazurike, defensive lineman

Background: Uwazurike was ranked the 48th-best defensive end out of high school by Scout. He originally committed to Toledo but decided to follow Campbell to Iowa State. He was slow to get to Ames and had he got to Iowa State sooner, Campbell said he would have been tempted not to redshirt him in 2016. But the Cyclones waited and now they’re hoping their patience pays off.

2017 outlook: Uwazurike is listed as J.D. Waggoner’s backup at defensive end for now. Waggoner will most likely begin the season as the starter but if Uwazurike continues to make strides, he could overtake Waggoner as the starter. It’s hard to ignore Uwazurike’s size. He fits the bill of what the Cyclones are looking for at the spot. He’s listed at 6-6, 280 pounds and Campbell said during Big 12 Media Days that Uwazurike was approaching 300 pounds. There should be plenty of opportunities for Uwazurike. In fact, defensive line coach Eli Rasheed said they’ve moved Uwazurike from the end to the inside. “He’ll help us for real,” Rasheed said. “He’s a good prospect and a good player and he’s doing a good job.”

2018 outlook: The defensive line is full of young but unproven talent. Uwazurike is one of them. He has yet to take a snap in a Big 12 game but that should change in 2017, meaning that in 2018, he could be one of the leaders of the line. Lima and Matt Leo, both junior college transfers, will be back next season, meaning the line could turn into one of the bright spots for the Cyclones with Uwazurike possibly in a starting spot by then.